4x4 Travel Bulletin: What do in April

Ron and Viv Moon’s latest news and info from Australia’s treks and tracks

PERMITS FOR BURKETOWN REGION (OLD) Permits are now required to camp and fish around the Burketown area, along the Albert River of the Gulf region of North Queensland. The permits allow for overnight stays at the designated recreation areas on Gangalidda-Garawa Country, and it ensures that landowners’ conditions and requirements are met. A maximum of seven nights can be booked at the same campsite. For details: www.gangalidda-garawa.com.au/permits

ELDEE EASTER EVENT (NSW)The ARB Eldee Easter Event is three days of family-friendly 4WD action and adventure in outback NSW. It’s situated on Eldee Station, a 40,000 acre working sheep and cattle station in Silverton, just 56km from Broken Hill. Test your competency across a range of outback tracks in a low risk, safe environment, and compete for great prizes, raise funds for the local SES, and just have great fun.Stay in great accommodation, or caravan and camp in the well-appointed camping area. Embrace the spectacular landscape and enjoy the local outback hospitality with hosts Naomi and Stephen Schmidt. For more information: www.eldeestation.com

ORD VALLEY MUSTER (WA)With more than 30 spectacular events across 10 exciting days, the award-winning Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster will be back in Kununurra from May 19-28. Iconic events include the Durack Homestead Dinner, the Kimberley Moon Experience and the Ord Valley Muster Rodeo. For more info head to www.ordvalleymuster.com.au

CAMPING IN THE NW (VIC)The caravan and camping facilities in the Yarriambiack Shire of Western Victoria are all exceptional value for money, with many sites costing just $10 (free camping is even permitted at Lake Lascelles). The townships in the region are all within close proximity of Wyperfeld, Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray Sunset National Parks, and these all make a fabulous destination for four-wheelers, explorers and campers. To check out the campsites in the shire, visit: www.yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/tourism/parks

TURNING OF THE FAGUS (TAS)Every Autumn Tasmanians follow the tradition of flocking to locations to witness the Fagus tree’s spectacular range of autumn colours, which vary from rust red to brilliant gold. Called the ‘Turning of the Fargus’ this stunning sight can only be seen in Tasmania and occurs between mid-April and mid-May. The best spots to take in the great colours are Mt Field and Cradle Mountain National Parks. For info: www.parks.tas.gov.au

DROVERS CAMPFIRE (NSW)Since its inception in 2006 the Boggabri Drovers has grown exponentially and now offers a wide range of entertainment, tours of the local area, campfire cooking, historic machinery displays, bush yarns and demonstrations of rural activities. The event also connects visitors with good old-fashioned bush values and past-times. This year the event will run from April 26-30. For more info head to: www.droverscampfire.com.au

WOOMERA PROHIBITED AREA CLOSURES (SA)If you’re planning a trip along the Anne Beadell Highway, be aware that the Department of Defence has planned to use the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) and has decided on the following exclusion periods: Amber Zone 1 (May 14 to June 30); Amber Zone 2 (June 11-30). Notifications of restrictions in parts of the Green Zone will be made through the website and relevant travel info outlets, with 21 days’ notice provided: www.defence.gov.au/woomera/exclusionperiods.htm